Good morning all.  I just wanted to re-introduce myself.  

I joined in 2018, but then fell away from all forums since my work completely took over my life, working around the clock and not having any time for anything else.  Well, after a series of events, which I won't bore anyone with, I forced a better work/life balance and am getting back to the reason I am working, to have a decent life.  So, I am trying to do that, and am getting back to the things I enjoy.

So, firstly, I started woodworking many years ago.  I am more into antique woodworking machinery, and a good portion of my shop is just that.  However, the lathe is something that I prefer to have modern machinery, mostly so I can easily get the tooling I need.  

I first started out with an early 1990's Craftsman 12" lathe with a steel bed and a 2HP belt drive motor.  Sadly, that motor was more like a 1/2HP,  and the only way to really add tooling to that lathe was to purchase adapters, or go without.  Still though, I cranked out some pens and some other small items, but I wanted to do larger work.  I didn't have much money, and knew I wanted a larger lathe, but after the Craftsman gave up the ghost, I ended up purchasing a Harbor Freight 12"x33 1/3" lathe.  This lathe was going to be used until I could afford to buy a "big boy" lathe.  But, with this one, I was cranking out lamps, bowls, and other larger items, and with standard sized spindle, I was able to get the centers and chucks, face plates and whatnot, so I could lathe out more of what I wanted to do.  I also had the opportunity to purchase the Harbor Freight 10" x 18" lathe for $1.78 after discounts, coupons and a gift card, which is actually quite an impressive machine.  I was using this more for pen making and chess pieces.  I see no reason whatsoever for replacing this lathe.  This will be a permanent fixture in my shop.  And the fact that both lathes could use the same tooling made it better.

So, fast forward to 8-years after purchasing the larger HF lathe.  This lathe was supposed to get me through a couple of years, but then, life happens, and the money I kept trying to save for my "forever" lathe needed to be spend on more important things.  Well, I am doing quite well financially, and after a nice income tax refund, and a lot of research, I finally pulled the trigger on a Grizzly G0766 22" x 42" lathe.  I originally wanted the G0733 18" x 47", but the extra HP of the one I ordered is what made me decide on it.

I don't have the lathe yet, but I gave the HF away to my pastor, and have prepared to take delivery of the new one, which is supposed to arrive this afternoon.  I am really looking forward to using it, and will certainly visit here often, hopefully to gain knowledge, and to provide my own.

Anyhow, all that to say, I'm back, and look forward to using this forum... this time around

Dan

Welcome back Dan

Tony Rozendaal wrote on Mar 12^th, 2022 at 1:51am:


Absolutely.  I see you are from East Troy, WI.  I love their annual bluegrass festival and go there every year.  Of course, with the square under construction last year, they had to move it, but looking forward to it this year.  Just a short drive from Kenosha.

Dan